One of our most asked questions is about the benefits of chai tea. More specifically, people often ask whether chai lattes are good for you, how much caffeine they contain & whether they're a better choice than coffee. The answer depends on how you enjoy your chai!
What are the benefits of chai tea?
Chai is a beautifully balanced blend of black tea leaves & warming spices. Depending on the recipe, you'll usually find a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves & black pepper, with ingredients such as ginger, cardamom & star anise often added too. A well made chai is naturally full of flavour, with no hidden nasties, just a delicious blend of tea & aromatic spices.
One of the reasons people love chai tea is the unique combination of ingredients. While each spice brings its own distinctive flavour, many are also thought to be associated with a range of benefits.
Here's a closer look at 6 ingredients that make chai so special:
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Ginger: This fiery root is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties & support digestion.
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Cinnamon: Not just a garnish, this spice may have anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial properties.
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Cloves: A classic chai spice that brings rich, aromatic depth to every sip & is also thought to support oral health & digestion.
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Cardamom: This gives chai it’s richness & may have anti-inflammatory properties as well as supporting digestion.
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Star anise: Brings a subtle liquorice-like sweetness & is thought to be rich in bioactive compounds.
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Fennel: An aromatic seed which is also thought to be anti-inflammatory.
So, when people ask about the benefits of chai tea, the answer isn't just about the tea itself, it's the combination of carefully selected spices that makes every cup so satisfying.
Is chai tea caffeinated?
Traditionally, chai tea is made with black tea, so it naturally contains caffeine. However, it doesn't have to.
The wonderful spice blend that gives chai its distinctive flavour can also be paired with naturally caffeine-free teas such as rooibos to create a delicious decaf alternative.
Rooibos is naturally sweet & thought to be rich in antioxidants. It’s also considered an anti-inflammatory. When we combine our chai spice blend with rooibos tea, it creates a naturally caffeine-free chai that's perfect for making a comforting latte, like our Gingerbread Chai.
